Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski Corle Construction Inc. and Corle Building Systems call Imler home, the same area where company president John Corle started in 1972 with a single metal building.

IMLER — John Corle started out in 1972 with a single metal building in Imler.

Now, 50 years and more than 500 projects later, Corle Construction Inc. is a leader in the installation of metal buildings — and he still calls home the rural town of Imler in Bedford County.

For the first year of operation, Corle was the company’s only employee, but as word of his work and attention to detail spread, the company began to grow. Projects became larger and more complex and came from a broader area.

As the company continued its steady but measured growth, Corle added experienced workers and craftsmen to his staff, upgraded equipment and built new headquarters. He continued to expand in the ’80s and ’90s, fueled by repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations.

With its continued growth, Corle Construction built a modern manufacturing facility in 1998. Its sister company, Corle Building Systems, provides metal buildings for not only Corle’s, but other construction companies, too.

Today, Corle Construction performs all aspects of construction work but is centered around metal buildings, said longtime project manager Matt Wilson.

“We design projects for the commercial and industrial sector,” Wilson said.

Wilson said Corle Construction can take a project from start to finish, including handling civil engineering needs, as well as permitting and more.

“We are your one-stop shop,” he said. “You hire us, and we will hand you the keys when it is done.”

Corle Building Systems is now a national supplier of metal buildings, he said.

“They manufacture the metal buildings and sell them to people like me all over the country,” Wilson said.

As for Corle Construction, customers are usually in the manufacturing industry, warehousing or commercial companies that need a building or a facility, Wilson said. And, most work is done within a two-hour radius of Imler.

“We do a lot of work in Maryland, and in Bedford, Somerset and Blair counties,” he said.

Wilson said the company is known for delivering a quality product in a timely manner.

“The key to our success goes back to quality work and happy customers, when they are happy they become repeat customers,” he said. “The majority of our work is obtained through word of mouth; it is based on our reputation.”

The company is a great example of excellence among the business community of the Bedford County region and beyond, said Kellie Goodman Shaffer, president/CEO of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce.

“A significant employer, the company works tirelessly to inspire and support the next generation of skilled and dedicated craftspeople by supporting many educational programs and workforce development initiatives. Taking the lead on these efforts not only benefits Corle, but the region as a whole. Our chamber and our educational foundation appreciate their leadership as well as their creativity in working through the many workforce challenges we are seeing today,” Shaffer said.

Corle is a case study of a smart, hardworking entrepreneur who brought his vision to reality, said Bette Slayton, president of the Bedford County Development Association.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Johnny over the past few decades,” she said. “He and his team have built quality companies that enjoy national renown. They are also strong community supporters with the creation of quality jobs and involvement with our local schools.”

Slayton said the county is fortunate that Corle has deep roots in the region.

“His hard work and vision have greatly benefited our community,” she added.

Wilson said the company reaching 50 years is quite a milestone.

“Fifty years ago, John didn’t have in mind what it has become today,” he said. “We have a strong reputation. As long as there are people in need of our service I am optimistic” for the future.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank us at 814-946-7467.